Data medium having biocidal properties and method for making same

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an information carrier intended to be handled relatively frequently, characterized in that it contains at least one biocidal agent. This information carrier is in particular intended for the production of a banknote, of a passport, of a playing card, of a packaging, of a book or of a magazine. The invention also relates to the process for producing said information carrier, characterized in that at least one biocidal agent is incorporated into a basic carrier made of cellulosic and/or plastic materials.

The invention relates to an information carrier intended to be handledrelatively frequently, in particular a banknote.

More specifically, the invention relates to an information carrierexhibiting biocidal properties and to the process for producing it.

In modern societies, an increasingly large quantity of carriers intendedto transmit information is handled daily and frequently by a largenumber of individuals, for whom no health control is required.

Now, these individuals, due to their environment, their professionalactivity, their entourage and the healthiness of their lifestyle, may becarrying germs, microbes and contaminating agents in general, whichgenerate more or less serious epidemic and pandemic diseases.

Thus, the information carrier handled by these individuals is, in turn,liable to contain such pathogenic microorganisms.

It then becomes an important vehicle for disseminating bacteria, yeastand fungi and can potentially cause infections in those who handle it.

In addition, recently, since the possibility of a terrorist act bybacteriological contamination of such information carriers is no longerto be neglected, the risk associated with handling such informationcarriers is becoming particularly sensitive.

As currency in commercial transactions, the banknote constitutes one ofthe information carriers most commonly handled throughout the world and,as a result, represents a potential threat to our health.

In many countries, the notes are handled billions of times during theircirculation period.

They then become loaded up with microorganisms originating both from theambient environment and from the human organism.

A study carried out by the Gazaga da Gama Filho Biochemical ResearchInstitute in Brazil on the microbial contamination of Brazilianbanknotes, and presented on Sep. 28, 2001, revealed in particular thepresence of two specific contaminating agents, Staphylococcus sp andEscherichia coli.

The presence of these two microorganisms may, for the person who handlesthe banknote, result in various infections, which range from superficialdiseases such as skin lesions, to styes, otitis, sinusitis, pharyngitisand other more serious ailments according to the sites of penetration,the amounts, the virulence of the sample, and the individual resistance.

In this context, the emerging tendency of banknotes having a moreprolonged lifespan can only worsen, for the future, the risk ofcontamination associated with the handling of these notes.

Although it is not really new, the problem of the contamination ofinformation carriers in general, and of banknotes in particular, hasnevertheless up until now, to the applicant's knowledge, not been thesubject of sufficient exhaustive investigations.

The study cited above mentions first of all the possibility of using aplastic material instead of the conventional cellulosic fibrous materialfor producing said banknotes.

The cellulosic fibrous material which has a tendency to absorb moistureis thought to promote the development of microorganisms within it.

Now, the study shows that this change reduces but does not eliminate therisk of contamination.

Other technical solutions have recently been disclosed in the prior artand in fact consist in treating the banknote paper with an antimicrobialagent.

Patent application WO 95/42658 envisions in particular the addition of abiguanide-based substantive antimicrobial agent.

Now, the applicant has noted that these prior solutions either do notcompletely satisfy the problem posed, since the antimicrobial agent doesnot have a complete, i.e. both antifungal and antibacteriological,biocidal action, or satisfies the problem posed at the cost of asubstantial addition of antimicrobial agent.

These prior solutions therefore prove to be ineffective and tooexpensive.

In addition, antimicrobial agents are generally characterized by adegree of toxicity; adding them at a high dose can therefore prove to beunsuitable, or even dangerous.

The invention is aimed at providing an information carrier exhibitingboth antifungal and antibacteriological properties, and not exhibitingthe disadvantages of the prior art.

The applicant, after having tested many biocidal compositions, hassucceeded, surprisingly, in solving the problems posed by treating theinformation carrier using a mixture of two biocidal agents, one having afungistatic and/or fungicidal action, the other having a bacteriostaticand/or bactericidal action.

It has also proved to be the case that, among the antiseptic agentstested, some could exhibit the two actions at the same time.

Thus, the invention provides an information carrier intended to behandled relatively frequently, characterized in that it contains atleast one biocidal agent.

Preferably, the information carrier contains at least one bacteriostaticand/or bactericidal agent and/or at least one fungistatic and/orfungicidal agent.

Preferably, at least one bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal agent ischosen from the compounds based on chitosan or chitin derivatives, onquaternary ammonium, on zinc zeolite, on silver ions and on triclosan.

Preferably, at least one bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal agent isbased on didecyldimethylammonium chloride.

Preferably, at least one fungistatic and/or fungicidal agent is chosenfrom the compounds based on isothiazolin or isothiazolone derivatives,on chitosan or chitin derivatives, on quaternary ammonium, on zinczeolite, on silver ions and on triclosan.

Preferably, at least one fungistatic and/or fungicidal agent is based onp-[(diiodomethyl)sulfonyl]toluol, on iodopropynyl butyl carbamate or onmethyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl carbamate in the form of an aqueousdispersion.

Preferably, the quantity by dry weight of biocidal agent in the carrieris less than 1%, and preferably less than 0.2%.

Preferably, after one hour of dynamic contact of the carrier with astrain of Escherichia coli or of Staphylococcus aureus, the percentagedecrease in the activity of the corresponding strains is greater than99.9%, under the conditions defined by the ASTM E 2149-01 method.

Also preferably, after 24 hours of dynamic contact of the carrier with astrain of Escherichia coli or of Staphylococcus aureus, theantibacterial activity defined by the XPG 39010 method is negative.

In one embodiment, the information carrier is formed based on cellulosicmaterials, in particular paper.

In another embodiment, the information carrier is based on plasticmaterials.

Preferably, the information carrier is intended for the production of abanknote, of a passport, of a playing card, of a chipcard, of apackaging, of a book or of a magazine.

Another subject of the invention relates to a process for producing theinformation carrier mentioned above, characterized in that at least onebiocidal agent is incorporated into a basic carrier made of cellulosicand/or plastic materials.

The incorporation of said biocidal agent into the basic carrier may becarried out in various ways:

-   -   by immersing said basic carrier in a solution of said biocidal        agent,    -   by spraying said basic carrier with a solution of said biocidal        agent,    -   by printing said basic carrier using an ink containing said        biocidal agent,    -   by surfacing said basic carrier with a solution containing said        biocidal agent and an aqueous surfacing agent, the aqueous        surfacing agent preferably incorporating glycerol as        plasticizer,    -   by coating said basic carrier with a coating solution containing        said biocidal agent,    -   by depositing onto said basic carrier an overprint varnish        containing said biocidal agent,    -   by coating microcapsules or cyclodextrin containing said        biocidal agent onto said basic carrier.

The following nonlimiting examples will make it possible to understandmore fully the way in which the invention can be put into practice andits advantages.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1

A sheet of paper is formed on a paper machine, termed cylinder mould,with a wire cloth comprising a pattern for producing a watermark, itbeing possible for this paper to be suitable as paper for producing abanknote, in the following way:

-   -   a paste of cotton fibers is suspended in water, this suspension        is refined at 60° Schoepper-Riegler,    -   a wet resistance agent, approximately 2.5% by dry weight of a        poly(amide-amine-epichlorohydrin) resin, expressed relative to        the cotton fibers, is added;    -   small iridescent boards are also introduced into this        suspension;    -   during the formation of the sheet, a microprinted security        thread, termed “window thread”, is introduced according to known        prior techniques, so that the thread appears in certain windows        at the surface of the paper. A method that can be used to        introduce this thread is described, for example, in patent EP        59056;    -   after the sheet has been formed, it is surface-treated with a        sizing agent in a size-press;    -   the sheet is dried at around 100° C.

EXAMPLE 2 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   98 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   2 parts by commercial weight of an isothiazolin-based biocidal        agent sold under the reference “Microbiocide B43F” by the        company Intace.

The concentration of biocidal agent relative to the total bath is set at0.05%.

The pH of the impregnating composition is fixed at 6.6.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product of 0.037%, which corresponds to a content by dry weightof biocidal product in the paper of approximately 0.02%.

EXAMPLE 3 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   94 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   6 parts by commercial weight of an isothiazolin-based biocidal        agent sold under the reference “Microbiocide B43F” by the        company Intace.

The concentration of biocidal agent relative to the total bath is set at0.2%.

The pH of the impregnating composition is fixed at 6.6.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product of 0.14%, which corresponds to a content by dry weightof biocidal product in the paper of approximately 0.07%.

EXAMPLE 4 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   75 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   25 parts by commercial weight of a chitosan-based biocidal agent        sold under the reference “Chitogel” by the company France        Chitine.

The concentration of biocidal agent relative to the total bath is set at1.0%.

The pH of the impregnating composition is fixed at 6.8.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product of 0.75%, which corresponds to a content by dry weightof biocidal product in the paper of approximately 0.4%.

EXAMPLE 5 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   70 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   30 parts by commercial weight of a chitosan-based biocidal agent        sold under the reference “Chitosan 241” by the company France        Chitine.

The concentration of biocidal agent relative to the total bath is set at1.25%.

The pH of the impregnating composition is fixed at 5.2.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product of 0.925%, which corresponds to a content by dry weightof biocidal product in the paper of approximately 0.5%.

EXAMPLE 6 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   94 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   6 parts by commercial weight of a didecyldimethylammonium        chloride-based biocidal agent sold under the reference        “Microbiocide B74” by the company Intace.

The concentration of biocidal agent B74 relative to the total bath isset at 0.2%.

The pH of the impregnating composition is fixed at 6.4.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product of 0.142%, which corresponds to a content by dry weightof biocidal product in the paper of approximately 0.07%.

EXAMPLE 7 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   88 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   6 parts by commercial weight of a didecyldimethylammonium        chloride-based biocidal agent sold under the reference        “Microbiocide B74” by the company Intace,    -   6 parts by commercial weight of an isothiazolin-based biocidal        agent sold under the reference “Microbiocide B43F” by the        company Intace.

The concentrations of biocidal agent B74 and B43F relative to the totalbath are set at 0.2%.

The pH of the impregnating composition is fixed at 6.07.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product of 0.28%, which corresponds to a content by dry weightof biocidal product in the paper of approximately 0.14%.

EXAMPLE 8 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   94 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   6 parts by commercial weight of a        3-(methoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl-ammonium chloride-based        biocidal agent sold under the reference “AEM 5772/5” by the        company Devan.

The concentration of biocidal agent relative to the total bath is set at0.2%.

The pH of the impregnating composition is fixed at 6.08.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product of 0.15%, which corresponds to a content by dry weightof biocidal product in the paper of approximately 0.08%.

EXAMPLE 9 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   86 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   14 parts by commercial weight of a        3-(methoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl-ammonium chloride-based        biocidal agent sold under the reference “AEM 5772/5” by the        company Devan.

The concentration of biocidal agent relative to the total bath is set at0.5%.

The pH of the impregnating composition is fixed at 6.08.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product of 0.37%, which corresponds to a content by dry weightof biocidal product in the paper of approximately 0.19%.

EXAMPLE 10 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   75 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   25 parts by commercial weight of a        3-(methoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl-ammonium chloride-based        biocidal agent sold under the reference “AEM 5772/5” by the        company Devan.

The concentration of biocidal agent relative to the total bath is set at1.0%.

The pH of the impregnating composition is fixed at 6.08.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product of 0.73%, which corresponds to a content by dry weightof biocidal product in the paper of approximately 0.37%.

EXAMPLE 11 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   50 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   50 parts by commercial weight of a        3-(methoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl-ammonium chloride-based        biocidal agent sold under the reference “AEM 5772/5” by the        company Devan.

The concentration of biocidal agent relative to the total bath is set at3.0%.

The pH of the impregnating composition is fixed at 6.08.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product of 2.22%, which corresponds to a content by dry weightof biocidal product in the paper of approximately 1.1%.

EXAMPLE 12 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   75 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   25 parts by commercial weight of a sodium phenylphonolate-based        biocidal agent sold under the reference “Bactolyse 74880” by the        company Ondeo.

The concentration of biocidal agent relative to the total bath is set at1.0%.

The pH of the impregnating composition is fixed at 6.6.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product of 0.72%, which corresponds to a content by dry weightof biocidal product in the paper of approximately 0.36%.

EXAMPLE 13 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   80 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   20 parts by commercial weight of a isothiazolone        derivative-based biocidal agent sold under the reference        “Surfasept 74818” by the company Ondeo.

The concentration of biocidal agent relative to the total bath is set at0.7%.

The pH of the impregnating composition is fixed at 6.6.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product of 0.525%, which corresponds to a content by dry weightof biocidal product in the paper of approximately 0.26%.

EXAMPLE 14 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnation tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   97 parts by commercial weight of PVA binder,    -   3 parts by commercial weight of a        p-[(diiodomethyl)sulfonyl]toluol-based biocidal agent sold under        the reference “Surfasept 74859” by the company Ondeo.

The concentration of biocidal agent relative to the total bath is set at0.1%.

The pH of the impregnating composition is fixed at 6.8.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product of 0.075%, which corresponds to a content by dry weightof biocidal product in the paper of approximately 0.04%.

EXAMPLE 15 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   12.2 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   86.7 parts by commercial weight of a polyurethane binder,    -   0.1 part by commercial weight of a didecyldimethylammonium        chloride-based biocidal agent sold under the reference        “Microbiocide B74” by the company Intace,    -   1.0 part by commercial weight of an iodopropynyl butyl        carbamate-based biocidal agent sold under the reference        “Fungitrol 420” by the company ISP.

The concentrations of biocidal agent B74 and Fungitrol 420 relative tothe total bath are set, respectively, at 0.05% and 0.5%.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product, respectively, of 0.04% and of 0.4%, which correspondsto a content by dry weight of biocidal product in the paper,respectively, of approximately 0.02% and of approximately 0.08%.

EXAMPLE 16 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is surface-coated, using asize press, with a composition prepared in aqueous medium, whichcomprises:

-   -   12.3 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   87.0 parts by commercial weight of a polyurethane binder,    -   0.1 part by commercial weight of a didecyldimethylammonium        chloride-based biocidal agent sold under the reference        “Microbiocide B74” by the company Intace,    -   0.7 part by commercial weight of an iodopropynyl butyl        carbamate-based biocidal agent sold under the reference        “Fungitrol 420” by the company ISP.

The concentrations of biocidal agent B74 and Fungitrol 420 relative tothe total coating mixture are set, respectively, at 0.05% and 0.5%.

Once coated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product, respectively, of 0.04% and of 0.27%, which correspondsto a content by dry weight of biocidal product in the paper,respectively, of approximately 0.02% and of approximately 0.05%.

EXAMPLE 17 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   98.4 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   0.8 part by commercial weight of a didecyldimethylammonium        chloride-based biocidal agent sold under the reference        “Microbiocide B74” by the company Intace,    -   0.8 part by commercial weight of a        p-[(diiodomethyl)sulfonyl]toluol-based biocidal agent sold under        the reference “Surfasept 74859” by the company Ondeo.

The concentrations of biocidal agent B74 and Surfasept 74859 relative tothe total bath are set, respectively, at 0.05% and 0,05%.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product, respectively, of 0.04% and of 0.04%, which correspondsto a content by dry weight of biocidal product in the paper,respectively, of approximately 0.02% and of approximately 0.02%.

EXAMPLE 18 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is surface-coated, using asize press, with a composition prepared in aqueous medium, whichcomprises:

-   -   98.4 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   0.8 part by commercial weight of a didecyldimethylammonium        chloride-based biocidal agent sold under the reference        “Microbiocide B74” by the company Intace,    -   0.8 part by commercial weight of a        p-[(diiodomethyl)sulfonyl]toluol-based biocidal agent sold under        the reference “Surfasept 74859” by the company Ondeo.

The concentrations of biocidal agent B74 and Surfasept relative to thetotal coating mixture are set, respectively, at 0.05% and 0.05%.

Once coated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product, respectively, of 0.04% and of 0.04%, which correspondsto a content by dry weight of biocidal product in the paper,respectively, of approximately 0.02% and of approximately 0.015%.

EXAMPLE 19 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   95.9 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   0.8 part by commercial weight of a didecyldimethylammonium        chloride-based biocidal agent sold under the reference        “Microbiocide B74” by the company Intace,    -   3.3 parts by commercial weight of a methyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl        carbamate-based biocidal agent sold under the reference        “Surfasept 74843 P” by the company Aquazur P&P.

The concentrations of biocidal agent B74 and Surfasept 74843 P relativeto the total bath are set, respectively, at 0.05% and 0.2%.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product, respectively, of 0.04% and of 0.15%, which correspondsto a content by dry weight of biocidal product in the paper,respectively, of approximately 0.02% and of approximately 0.07%.

EXAMPLE 20 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is surface-coated, using asize press, with a composition prepared in aqueous medium, whichcomprises:

-   -   96.1 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   0.8 part by commercial weight of a didecyldimethylammonium        chloride-based biocidal agent sold under the reference        “Microbiocide B74” by the company Intace,    -   3.1 parts by commercial weight of a methyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl        carbamate-based biocidal agent sold under the reference        “Surfasept 74843 P” by the company Aquazur P&P.

The concentrations of biocidal agent B74 and Surfasept 74843 P relativeto the total coating mixture are set, respectively, at 0.05% and 0.2%.

Once coated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product, respectively, of 0.04% and of 0.15%, which correspondsto a content by dry weight of biocidal product in the paper,respectively, of approximately 0.02% and of approximately 0.06%.

EXAMPLE 21 According to the Invention

A carrier according to Example 1 is used and is impregnated in animpregnating tank containing a composition prepared in aqueous medium,which comprises:

-   -   60.9 parts by commercial weight of a PVA binder,    -   38.1 parts by commercial weight of a gelatin-type binder,    -   1.0 part by commercial weight of a biocidal agent based on a        mixture of 1,2-benzoisothiazolin-3-one and of        methyl-1-(butylcarbomyl)-2-benzimidazole carbamate sold under        the reference “FBP-416” by the company IPEL.

The concentration of biocidal agent relative to the total bath is set at1%.

Once impregnated, the paper comprises a content by commercial weight ofbiocidal product of 0.07%, which corresponds to a content by dry weightof biocidal product in the paper of approximately 0.04%.

Tests and Results:

The resistance of the carriers to the development of fungi and ofbacteria was tested: this corresponds to both a fungistatic andbacteriostatic test.

The fungistatic test, which is the applicant's own test, uses the methodpresented in the appendix.

It is based both on ASTM standard G21-90 and on AFNOR standard NF X41517.

The bacteriostatic test consists in evaluating the antibacterialresistance of the treated carriers to the growth of microbes underconditions of dynamic contact. The method used for Examples 1 to 14 isthat described in ASTM standard E 2149-01.

It consists in bringing the treated carrier into contact in a bacterialsuspension comprising the strain to be studied, with agitation for,respectively, one hour and 24 hours.

The antibacterial activity is defined by the determination, in thebacterial suspension, of the number of colony-forming units before andafter the test.

A loss of microbial activity is deduced therefrom, and is expressed as apercentage. The method used for Examples 15 to 21 is that described instandard XPG 39010.

It consists in bringing the treated carrier into contact in a bacterialsuspension comprising the strain to be studied, with agitation for,respectively, 0 hour and 24 hours.

The antibacterial activity is defined by the determination, in thebacterial suspension, of the number of colony-forming units before andafter the test.

An antibacterial activity A is deduced therefrom, which activity isdefined by the following formula:A=mean of log(E24i)values−mean of log(E0i)values,where E24i corresponds to the number of CFUs present on the test piece iat 24 h and E0i corresponds to the number of CFUs present on the testpiece i just after it has been brought into contact with theantibacterial agent.

In Examples 1 to 14, the strain studied was Escherichia coli.

In Examples 15 to 21, the strain studied was Staphylococcus aureus.

The results with these two series of tests were combined in Table 1, forExamples 1 to 14, and in Table 2, for Examples 15 to 21.

Some examples, for which the antibacterial activity was rather weak,were not subjected to bacteriostatic tests.

It is noted that, for the series of Examples 1 to 14, Examples 6 and 7are particularly suitable for combating the growth of Escherichia colistrains. Compared to Examples 8 to 11, using another quaternaryammonium-based biocidal agent, they act rapidly and effectively at verylow concentrations.

As regards the fungistatic activity, only Examples 13 and 14 provide acomplete absence of development of fungi.

They are, on the other hand, ineffective against bacterial development.

A conjugated addition of the biocidal agent of Example 6 and of Example14 is therefore particularly recommended for obtaining complete biocidalprotection for said information carrier.

As regards the series of Examples 15 to 21, it is noted that all thebiocidal agents used have quite a thorough bactericidal action, giventhat all the CFUs present on the paper samples disappeared 24 hoursafter it had been brought into contact with said agents.

Their fungistatic potency is also considerable, with the exception ofExample 21, for which the applicant observes better results at higherconcentrations.

In particular, starting with a content of microbiocidal agent.

The examples given are obviously not exhaustive and other basic carriersand other biocidal agents may be envisioned without departing from thefield of protection of the patent.

In particular, the basic carrier may be a high-durability security paperwhich is the subject of patent application FR 2 814 476, aprinting/writing paper, a tracing paper or a plastic note. TABLE 1BACTERIOSTATIC TEST percentage decrease in FUNGISTATIC TEST ON INERTEscherichia coli MEDIUM activity EXAMPLE 7 DAYS 14 DAYS (in %) No. FrontBack Front Back after 1 h after 24 h 1 4 4 4 4 0 0 2 4 4 4 4 3 2 3 4 4 44 4 4 4 80.6 >99.9 5 4 4 4 4 80.6 >99.9 6 1 1 3 3 >99.9 >99.9 7 1 1 32 >99.9 >99.9 8 4 4 4 4 87.4 >99.9 9 4 4 4 4 92.7 >99.9 10 4 4 4 499.5 >99.9 11 4 4 4 4 >99.9 >99.9 12 1 1 3 4 13 0 0 1 3 14 0 0 0 0

TABLE 2 FUNGISTATIC TEST ON INERT MEDIUM BACTERIOSTATIC TEST EXAMPLE 7DAYS 14 DAYS After 0 hours After 24 hours Antibacterial No. Front BackFront Back E0i Log(E0i) E24i Log(E24i) activity A 15 0 0 0 1 34100 4.530 0 −4.53 16 0 0 1 0 7200 3.86 0 0 −3.86 17 0 0 0 0 6300 3.80 0 0 −3.8018 1 1 3 3 189000 5.28 0 0 −5.28 19 0 0 0 0 89000 4.95 0 0 −4.95 20 0 01 1 49500 4.69 0 0 −4.69 21 2 2 2 3 100000 5 0 0 −5Fungistatic Test

Principle: the paper to be tested is placed on a sterile Petri dish, onan inert medium, providing the inside of the dish with moisture, andthen seeded with an inoculum prepared with a mixture of activatedstrains.

The dishes are placed in an incubator at 28° C. for 14 days and areobserved at 14 days.

I—Strains Used:

10 Different Strains are Used:

-   -   1) Chaetomium globosum    -   2) Myrothecium verrucaria    -   3) Stachybotrys atra    -   4) Cladosporium herbarum    -   5) Penicillium funicolosum    -   6) Trichoderma viride    -   7) Aspergillus niger    -   8) Aspergillus flavus    -   9) Aspergillus ustus    -   10) Paecilomyces variotii        II—Storage of the Strains:

The strains are stored in a refrigerator at between 3 and 5° C.

III—Trial:

A) Activation of the Strains

When a trial is programmed, the first operation consists in activatingthe strains, two weeks (between 14 and 16 days) before the test. Infact, since the strains are stored on a relatively non-nutritive medium,it is necessary to make them more active by culturing them on a morenutritive medium.

According to the strains, two media are used:

For Chaetomium globosum, Stachybotrys atra, Cladosporium herbarum andPenicillium funicolosum, the following medium is used: Oat flakes  50 gBranched agar  20 g Distilled water 1000 ml

For the other strains, the following medium is used: Moser malt   40 gMycological peptone  0.5 g Branched agar   20 g Distilled water  1000 ml

After 14 days, the strains are ready to be used.

B) Trial Media:

The medium is made up of: NH₄NO₃    3 g KCl  0.25 g MgSO₄ 7H₂O  0.5 gKH₂PO₄    1 g Agar   20 g Water  1000 ml

The pH is adjusted to approximately 5.5.

It is an inert medium serving as a support for the test pieces.

The medium is sterilized for 30 minutes in a pressure cooker, inErlenmeyer flasks with cottonwool stoppers, and then the agar is pouredinto sterile polystyrene dishes.

In parallel, an empty Erlenmeyer flask covered with a gauze and thenwith a cottonwool stopper and an Erlenmeyer flask containing 100 ml ofdistilled water are sterilized.

C) Initiating the Test

A minimum of two test pieces/face, i.e. four dishes/trial, are cut out.

They are placed separately in a small plastic bag until transfer intodishes.

The test pieces are disks 33 mm in diameter that are cut out using ahole-punch.

The test pieces are placed at the center of the dish on the agar, usingforceps under rules of asepsis.

The dishes are labeled.

Preparation of the Inoculum:

The strains are mixed.

The concentration of each strain should be approximately 10⁶ (10⁵ to10⁷), measured with a Thoma cell, which represents 1 to 10 conidia persquare.

After verification of the concentration, the strains are mixed in thesterile empty Erlenmeyer flask and then in the spraying devicesterilized beforehand with alcohol.

D) Inoculation

Using the spraying device, the entire surface is inoculated, i.e. testpiece+agar.

E) Incubation

This is left to act for 14 days at 28° C. with water saturation.

IV—Results

The invasion of the paper is characterized using a marking system:

-   0=>no attack-   1=>traces of fungal development-   2=>slight development (10 to 30%)-   3=>moderate development (30 to 60%)-   4=>strong development (>60%).

1) An information carrier intended to be handled relatively frequently,characterized in that it contains at least one biocidal agent. 2) Theinformation carrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that itcontains at least one bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal agent and/or atleast one fungistatic and/or fungicidal agent. 3) The informationcarrier as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that it contains atleast one bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal agent chosen from thecompounds based on chitosan or chitin derivatives, on quaternaryammonium, on zinc zeolite, on silver ions and on triclosan. 4) Theinformation carrier as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that itcontains at least one bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal agent based ondidecyldimethylammonium chloride. 5) The information carrier as claimedin one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it contains at least onefungistatic and/or fungicidal agent chosen from the compounds based onisothiazolin or isothiazolone derivatives, on chitosan or chitinderivatives, on quaternary ammonium, on zinc zeolite, on silver ions andon triclosan. 6) The information carrier as claimed in claim 2,characterized in that it contains at least one fungistatic and/orfungicidal agent based on p-[(diiodomethyl)sulfonyl]toluol in the formof an aqueous dispersion. 7) The information carrier as claimed in claim2, characterized in that it contains at least one fungistatic and/orfungicidal agent based on iodopropynyl butyl carbamate in the form of anaqueous dispersion. 8) The information carrier as claimed in claim 2,characterized in that it contains at least one fungistatic and/orfungicidal agent based on methyl-1 H-benzimidazol-2-yl carbamate in theform of an aqueous dispersion. 9) The information carrier as claimed inclaim 1, characterized in that the quantity by dry weight of biocidalagent in the carrier is less than 1%, and preferably less than 0.2%. 10)The information carrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that,after one hour of dynamic contact of the carrier with a strain ofEscherichia coli or of Staphylococcus aureus, the percentage decrease inthe activity of the corresponding strains is greater than 99.9%, underthe conditions defined by the ASTM E 2149-01 method. 11) The informationcarrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, after 24 hours ofdynamic contact of the carrier with a strain of Escherichia coli or ofStaphylococcus aureus, the antibacterial activity defined by the XPG39010 method is negative. 12) The information carrier as claimed inclaim 1, characterized in that it is based on cellulosic materials, inparticular paper. 13) The information carrier as claimed in claim 1,characterized in that it is based on plastic materials. 14) Theinformation carrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it isintended for the production of a banknote, of a passport, of a playingcard, of a chipcard, of a packaging, of a book or of a magazine. 15) Aprocess for producing an information carrier as claimed in claim 1,characterized in that at least one biocidal agent is incorporated into abasic carrier made of cellulosic and/or plastic materials. 16) Theproduction process as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that theincorporation of said biocidal agent is carried out by immersing saidbasic carrier in a solution of said biocidal agent. 17) The productionprocess as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the incorporationof said biocidal agent is carried out by spraying said basic carrierwith a solution of said biocidal agent. 18) The production process asclaimed in claim 15, characterized in that the incorporation of saidbiocidal agent is carried out by printing said basic carrier using anink containing said biocidal agent. 19) The production process asclaimed in claim 15, characterized in that the incorporation of saidbiocidal agent is carried out by surfacing said basic carrier with asolution containing said biocidal agent and an aqueous surfacing agent,the aqueous surfacing agent preferably incorporating glycerol asplasticizer. 20) The production process as claimed in claim 15,characterized in that the incorporation of said biocidal agent iscarried out by coating said basic carrier with a coating solutioncontaining said biocidal agent. 21) The production process as claimed inclaim 15, characterized in that the incorporation of said biocidal agentis carried out by depositing onto said basic carrier an overprintvarnish containing said biocidal agent. 22) The production process asclaimed in claim 15, characterized in that the incorporation of saidbiocidal agent is carried out by coating microcapsules or cyclodextrincontaining said biocidal agent onto said basic carrier.